Periscope

Art as career

Not for everybody

By Shermaine Ho

He likes music. He loves painting. But he has never considered art as his career. “We can't earn a living from art after all,” he said.

This is Jimmy Tam Kin Hang, a 12-year-old kid who simply loves art.

Jimmy attends instrumental classes every weekend. He started playing piano and violin when he was 4 years old and now, he has already finished his grade 8 piano examinations.

“My mum always says that art can only be an interest, but not a career. I believe that too, at least it's true in Hong Kong ,” he said.

Jimmy's mother, Mrs. Wong, believes that the money she spends on his son's interest is an investment.

“Every parent wants his or her children to have an impressive resume and get a good job with stable income. I am no exception,” she explained.

Like Jimmy, Mr. Chan Hei Chuen, who teaches visual art at Tai Po Old Market Public School (Plover Clove), has never thought of being an artist.

“I love art very much. But the life of an artist is too unpredictable and too unstable. Being an art teacher is totally different. At least, you can have regular salary and working routine.”

Angela Au Tak Ching, a year one student majoring in music in The Chinese University of Hong Kong , expressed worries about her prospects. “I understand that the career path of a music graduate is quite narrow. If you are not good enough to be a solo or get into an orchestra, the only choice is to be a music teacher,” she said.

While most people believe that the career path of art graduates is tough and narrow, Professor Susan Street , Dean of Dance of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, disagrees. “When I look at the statistics of our school, almost all of our fresh graduates are employed within three months after graduation,” she said.

“Most of them are hired by professional companies, some become teachers, and some produce their own works. Besides, the Hong Kong Disneyland will open soon, hundreds of job opportunities will be available,” she added.

Professor Kevin Thompson, Director of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, added that technical art students including those who study lighting design, sound design, costume technology and stage management, are particularly desirable in the job market. “They are in very high demand because they are all professional artists who specialize in specific areas,” he explained.

Although there are plenty of employment opportunities available for art graduates, Prof. Street admitted that the life of artists is very challenging.

“If you look back in history, the artist's road has always been difficult. When I left school at the end of form six and entered a professional dance school, it was so unconventional. Everybody thought it was outrageous, my parents were so angry about that!” she recalled.

“An artist's life is tough. What you need are conviction and aspiration. It's not for everybody, but if you are willing to do it, the reward is ten times,” she said.

Throughout history, people usually perceived an image of a “starving artist”. Perhaps they are influenced by the example of Vincent Van Gogh or Beethoven, who led a harsh life and only got recognition after they were dead. However, Prof. Street remarked that people were simply making a generalization.

“I know a lot of artists who are both productive and enjoying their work. Some of them work from project to project. Sometimes they perform, sometimes they teach,” she said. “They are people who will never give up their work for a full- time job!”

Students studying art can also have a high-flying career
Courtesy of Professor Susan Street